Duterte orders FDA, DOST to operate 24/7

President Duterte ordered the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to operate 24 hours a day and double their workforce.

The order came after complaints about delays in FDA operations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also announced that government-run testing facilities, including RITM, are now operating 16 hours daily.

Vergeire added that RITM is considering extending its hours to 24 hours due to current staffing issues.